Raila gives four proposals to address surging protests and discontent
By Faith Lagat, July 7, 2025Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has proposed the formation of an inclusive national dialogue forum to address Kenya’s deepening political and socio-economic challenges.
In a statement marking the 35th anniversary of the Saba Saba movement, while addressing the press at Serena Hotel, Raila was flanked by key ODM leaders, including Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, and Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai.
Delivering a reflection titled “Saba Saba and the Call for a National Dialogue,” Odinga emphasised that the spirit of Saba Saba was never about confrontation for its own sake, but a peaceful and constitutional push for freedom, equality, and good governance. He said that same spirit must now guide the country through what he described as a new wave of unrest and political activism.
“We must ask ourselves where we go from here,” he said. “Do we embrace chaos or a coming together of minds and country? As one of the architects of the original Saba Saba, I choose dialogue.”
National conclave for reform
Odinga proposed the immediate establishment of an intergenerational national conclave to bring together diverse voices from across the country. The forum, he said, would be tasked with gathering citizen views and proposing irreducible reforms to steer Kenya forward. These reforms, he suggested, should be far-reaching and could form the basis for a national referendum.
This dialogue, he emphasised, should not be partisan or symbolic but a serious and structured national conversation guided by clear terms of reference and led by sober, competent individuals.
Police reforms
Among the urgent issues he identified were the need for comprehensive police reforms, improved transparency and accountability in public service, and a robust strategy to tackle youth unemployment. He stressed the importance of creating institutions that are responsive to the needs of ordinary Kenyans and programs that promote economic inclusivity and social justice.
“The biggest challenge facing Kenya today is how to expand economic opportunity and lift particularly young Kenyans out of poverty, exclusion, and unemployment,” said Odinga. “We need leaders who are ethical, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people.”
Tackling corruption
Odinga also called for renewed focus on reforms within the judiciary and the executive, arguing that impunity and corruption must be decisively addressed to restore public trust. He emphasised that the national dialogue must have clear terms of reference and be led by serious and sober minds to guarantee its integrity.
Raila emphasised the need for stronger institutional mechanisms to deal with graft, warning that impunity continues to paralyse public service delivery and deepen public anger. He proposed that the national forum identify and adopt sustainable ways to enhance transparency in government and ensure that leaders are held accountable for their actions. “We must end impunity and corruption within our three arms of government,” he said.
Reflecting on the original Saba Saba protests of 1990, which led to the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution and the return of multiparty democracy, Odinga noted that many of the ideals fought for then had become part of Kenya’s constitutional framework. He stressed, however, that the work of building a just and democratic society was far from over.
“We are a better nation because Saba Saba happened,” he said. “We have a duty to honor the men and women who dared to dream then and to continue that dream today with dialogue, not destruction.”
Youth employment
Noting that Kenya’s youth are at the centre of the current unrest, Odinga proposed a national strategy to tackle youth unemployment and expand opportunities in both formal and informal sectors. He said young people need more than promises—they need real investment in job creation, entrepreneurship, and training that opens doors for sustainable livelihoods.
Subjecting the dialogue outcomes to a referendum
To give legitimacy to the proposed reforms and allow citizens to shape their future, Odinga suggested that the conclusions of the national dialogue be subjected to a public referendum. This, he said, would ensure that the people—not just politicians—own the outcomes of the process.
Odinga’s proposals come at a time of heightened public frustration over the cost of living, unemployment, governance failures, and police crackdowns. His appeal for sober dialogue rather than confrontation echoes the spirit of the original Saba Saba movement, which in 1990 led to the repeal of Section 2A and the return of multiparty democracy.
“We are a better nation because Saba Saba happened,” he said. “Now, we must come together again—not with stones or slogans, but with solutions.”
Odinga concluded by urging all political players, civil society, and citizens to commit to a peaceful and inclusive process that will chart Kenya’s next phase of transformation.